Mapping molecules in human pain-sensing nerves and the spinal cord
Human Nociceptor and Spinal Cord Molecular Signature Center
Building detailed molecular maps of human pain-sensing nerves and spinal cord tissue to help people with chronic neuropathic, neck, and low back pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171490 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project collects human dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord tissue from organ donors and from adults having surgeries where nerves or DRGs are removed. The team will use single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to read which genes are active in individual neurons and where those cells sit and connect in the spinal cord. They will compare tissues from people with chronic neuropathic, neck, and low back pain to better understand which nerve cells and connections drive long-term pain. The goal is to create an open scientific resource that other researchers can use to develop better pain treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with chronic neuropathic pain or chronic neck or low back pain who are having surgery that removes DRG or peripheral nerve tissue, as well as consenting organ donors, would be ideal contributors.
Not a fit: People who are not undergoing nerve or DRG removal surgeries, who have only acute or non-neuropathic pain, or who are not near participating centers may not be able to participate or directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new, more precise targets for treating chronic neuropathic, neck, and low back pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous single-cell transcriptomic work on human DRG has revealed unique neuron types and supports this approach, though mapping the full human spinal connectome at this scale is novel.
Where this research is happening
Richardson, United States
- University of Texas Dallas — Richardson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Price, Theodore J. — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Price, Theodore J.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.